Agreed!
Thank you, Bachmann!
Mike
Reno, Nevada

Is this the exact set that you bought?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/296483124760?
And is this the seller?
It is the only one that I could find sold recently (June 22,2024)on Evil Bay.
This way we can all know that this seller is dishonest and not to be trusted if he is indeed the one!
Thanks!
Mike

Hi!
I'm been assuming that this set is similar to the one that we are currently discussing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/395458145587?
I'm not sure of the vintage(Bill?).
If it is, them it should look like the one here.
Mike

Hi.
I bought that exact set locally in 2009, and the packing was exactly as you describe.
Mine was perfect, and I still have the cars.
Messed up the loco, unfortunately (dropped it on the floor).
Replaced it with an Anniversary 4-6-0.
Where did you buy yours?
If it was on Ebay, all you have to do is open a dispute, and use Item Not as Described.
Tell them why you need to return the set, include a few pictures, and Ebay will notify the seller.
If the seller doesn't respond, then Ebay will step in and force a resolution within 2 weeks.
Sounds like you got ripped off.
Hope you get your money back without any hassle.
Good luck!
Mike

 Have to totally agree with Greg on this one.
I've seen for myself just how big problem light weight cars can be.
For example:
A light weight car(think gondolas, and flat cars with no loads ,and especially if they have plastic wheels on them(plastic wheel sets are very light!), will often derail no matter where they're placed on your train when under load.
My solution to that was to add quality metal wheels.
The extra weight was more than enough to solve the weight problem for me.
So, Greg is spot on when he advises you to think more weight in the cars in order to avoid a disastrous derailment especially on a suspended rail line.
Mike.

Hi.
If this is the old #49 Santa Fe (Red Comet), then it's a fairly early version of the Big Hauler 4-6-0.
Those gears fracture quite often and it is a common failure with many gears across several of Bachmanns line of Large Scale models.
The best advice, as others have already stated, would be to try a local train club.
If that doesn't work, then you could replace the broken trains in their entirety and sell the old ones off.
Bachmann still offers a new replacement gear:
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_148&products_id=972
But it's out of stock.
I believe that the gear shown is the one you need,as I've taken several older generation versions apart, and this looks like the gear that I observed in the #2 and #3 gearboxes.
There is a new gearbox available, but it will not work for the version that you have, which I believe would be the version #2,or #3(flat bottom with no center hump) due to gear arrangement changes between the version#3 and version #4.
Bachmann does offer a replacement chassis,but the cost would likely be approximately $153.50, plus around $20-$25.00 shipping.
Not to mention any required sales tax.
Just trying to throw a few options around for your consideration.
Good luck!
Mike

Hi.
I'd put a Soundtraxx TSU-2200 in it.
I'd hardwire it inside the tender.
I've done several of my On30 locomotives that way.
If you can follow a wiring diagram, and know how to solder, then it's a pretty easy job.
The tender should have a built in speaker enclosure in it.
You just need to figure out which speaker fits your tender best.
I use a Soundtraxx 28mm 8ohm 2 watt speaker such as this one currently available on Ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/402411693475?
This should fit your tender.
As far as the missing parts are concerned:
If they're not available on this website, then your best hope will be Ebay.
Good luck!
Mike

Hi.
Yes your track can get dirty pretty fast sometimes.
The problem is friction between the metal wheels and rails.
As I understand it, the black gunk that builds up over time is fine ground metal from both the track and wheels.
It forms a "greasy" film that will stop your train from running if it gets bad enough.
You may be able to make a cleaning tool by using a broom stick, or other long pole, with a Scotchbrite pad attached to it.
Use the tool to scrub the track down, and see if it helps.
Of course, you could look into a track cleaning car, but those can be rather expensive...
For that, I would check Ebay.
I would also advise cleaning all the wheel flanges on the locomotive.
For this, I use a Q-tip dipped in 91% Isopropyl alcohol.
Works great!
I would look into a better power supply for such a large track.
There are many different makers of them so you would probably be better off to ask that particular question over on the mylargescale.com forum.
You'll get lots of help, and personal opinions there!
LOL!
Personally, I use a Bridgewerks 3 amp power supply for almost all of my trains.
Of course , I only run on a 4x5 foot oval indoor track currently, so even a 1 amp transformer is plenty for running simple freights over such a modest layout.
Good luck!

Mike

Hi.
Thinking about buying one of these.
Just wondering if anyone has bought one of these yet,or similar,and if so, what your impressions of it are so far.
This is new to the market, and selling for around $220.00.
Plus shipping,tax,etc.
Thanks!
Mike

Hi!
For my money, I'd invest in some nice, new,or used, brass track.
Bachmann makes some really nice solid brass track that is held together with small screws on each side of the rails.
I've never had a problem with derailing since I invested in the solid brass track!
It's a bit pricey, and you'll need a box of straight, and one box of curved  tracks,
5 foot diameter minimum recommended. You can get away with 4 foot diameter, but it's a little tight for the 4-6-0.
Check Ebay, and Amazon for the best deals.
That's where I got mine.
Something to consider.
Good luck !
Mike
PS: I have the Northstar Express too. It's a version #5 Anniversary chassis.And I love it!

Hi, Mr. Bachmann!
I took advantage of the Labor Day sale to stock up on some new parts for my On30 trains.
I also wanted to perhaps get a few spares for my Version 6 4-6-0.
I noticed that it's not even listed on the parts website.
So, when is Bachmannn  going to offer spare parts for this new version?
How many parts from the Annie are compatible with it?
It would be great if you could give us some idea of when parts will become available for this great new locomotive!
Thanks!
Mike

You're welcome,Bill!
I came across it on youtube,and fell in love with it!
It's perfect!
I love the kitten in the gondola, and the expressions on the faces of the kids.
This commercial is not only perfect, it's priceless!
Mike

I never saw it before today.
I think that it was pretty great!

A look back at a classic and very cool commercial for the Bachmann Big Hauler.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FURkRy1uYog
Enjoy!
Mike

Hi.
Personally, I like the Soundtraxx TSU-22200.
If there's room in the tender, I also install a Big Bass speaker so it's nice and loud!
Only brown box models come with factory sound.
The green box models come with basic DCC only,unless,of course, a previous owner added an after market sound system such as the Soundtraxx TSU-2200.
And yes, I've noticed that Bachmann ON30 models are often quite slow.
I have no idea why that is...Your model sounds normal otherwise.

Mike